Amad scores a sensational late hat-trick at Old Trafford

Manchester United staged a dramatic second-half comeback to beat Southampton 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Amad Diallo stole the headlines by scoring a sensational hat-trick. A clinical finish from the young winger in the last 10 minutes turned the tide for the hosts after a poor first half in the backlog.

Southampton started brilliantly and deservedly took the lead in the 43rd minute.

A dangerous corner by Mateus Fernandes was cleared by Tyler Dibling, and under pressure Manuel Ugarte could only deflect the ball into his own net.

The visitors dominated much of the first half, with Andre Onana pulling off key saves to keep out Dibling and Fernandes, ultimately keeping United in the contest.

Alejandro Garnacho missed a golden opportunity, kicking wide after Rasmus Hojlund leveled him, and Antony wasted a player shortly after the break, sliding his effort lightly into the hands of Aaron Ramsdale.

A late show ensures we take three points – i @AmadDiallo_19 takes the match ball 🎩#MUFC || #MUNSOU

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 16, 2025

But it was Diallo who managed to equalize the score in the 82nd minute.

After a clever pass from substitute Joshua Zirkzee, the Ivorian’s initial shot was blocked, but he buried the rebound into the bottom corner with a composed finish.

The momentum then swung completely in United’s favor, and Diallo struck again in the 90th minute to put his side in the lead.

His dashing run and clever play with Christian Eriksen saw him latch on to the Dane’s delightful through ball, stretching to guide a sublime finish past Ramsdale.

Old Trafford erupted as Diallo celebrated what appeared to be the winning goal.

Southampton pushed forward in stoppage time, hoping to salvage a point.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis went close from a corner, but his header went wide of teammate Flynn Downes.

Then, in the dying moments, it was game over. Ramsdale’s poorly executed pass put Harwood-Bellis under pressure and Diallo pounced to intercept, slotting into an empty net to seal his hat-trick and victory.

It was a statement from Diallo, who showed maturity and composure in a game in which United desperately needed inspiration.

While the introductions of Eriksen and Zirkzee added creativity and presence, the young winger’s clinical finishing and relentless energy turned the game on its head.